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HEARTS OF TALENT Unlocking young people’s potential through the arts
Hearts of Talent
A performing arts competition founded by Kilburn resident Jasmine Dale is taking northwest London by storm, helping unlock young people’s potential and tackling knife crime.
In 2019, Jasmine Dale founded Hearts of Talent to provide a platform for young singers, rappers, poets, dancers, and comedians around London to develop their talent.
As well as looking for the next rising star, there’s also a much deeper purpose behind the competition. “Hearts of Talent is for young people at a critical juncture,”
Jasmine says. With a growing number of young people feeling disconnected from their communities, she sees it as vital that young people are given the chance to make better choices for their futures. “It’s important to let young people know that they are worth something,” she tells us. Many that have taken part in the competition have proven just that, already appearing in festivals such as the Radiate Windrush Festival and the Chalk Hill Love
Festival. Hearts of Talent is not limited to performers, but also gives space for young people behind the scenes too, providing opportunities from social media management to working in accounts. “There are plenty of opportunities for talent, it doesn’t matter who you are. This is for everyone,” Jasmine says. “My hope for
Hearts of Talent is to be a leading youth organisation that gets young people to where they want to be in their lives.” Jasmine’s hard work has There are plenty of opportunities for talent, it doesn’t matter who you are. This is for everyone. Jasmine Dale ‘‘ ‘‘ not gone unnoticed. She is set to be the star of an upcoming BBC documentary and won a Pride of Brent Award earlier this year in recognition of her achievements. With talks with a major record label underway, this is only the beginning for this grassroots organisation with community at its heart.
Turn over a new leaf
During the Autumn, the role of some council keyworkers switches gears to adapt to all the changes the new season brings.
From clearing leaves to keep roads and pavements clear, stopping dangerous firework sellers and continuing to enforce against illegal street drinking in
Wembley before big events. These are things that can sometimes go unnoticed, but which play an important role in keeping everyone safe.
Keyworkers, partnering with Veolia, are touring the borough to complete this year’s community skip programme. To see the remaining dates and locations, go to www.brent.gov.uk/communityskips
Councillor Harbi Farah, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Public Protection, said: “As we move on from a busy summer and gear up to Autumn, council teams have a different set of priorities.
“Autumn brings firework displays and Halloween parties, so our teams also have a role to play in making sure residents enjoy these safely and without disturbing others.
As Autumn leaves begin to fall from the trees, council keyworkers are keeping the borough tidy and helping residents enjoy the season safely.
Important information this Autumn:
Noise app - Don’t suffer in silence, report noise nuisance at www.thenoiseapp.com
Leaf clearance starts in October, with two dedicated teams out clearing leaves.
Community safety - Report anti-social behaviour by emailing community. safety@brent.gov.uk
What happens to the leaves? They are added to garden waste to create compost
